Computer Tables

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to improvements in and relating to computer tables ( 1 ). In particular computer tables capable of automatically adjusting to accommodate the requirements of an individual user. Preferred embodiments of the present invention may have a number of advantages over the prior art which can include: automatic alteration of the height of a computer table support surface ( 5 ) relative to a rest surface ( 6 ); and/or the height of a support bracket ( 15 ) relative to the computer table support surface; so as to accord to a use&#39;s preferred height settings when the user enters identifier information into an associated programmable logic unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to improvements in and relating to computer tables. In particular, computer tables capable of automatically adjusting to accommodate the requirements of an individual user.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent times there is an overall trend towards people spending longer sedentary hours in front of a computer for either recreational use and/or business use. Incorrect posture when sitting at a computer table for extended periods, such as in a workplace when working at a computer or other equipment, can lead to problems in a persons comfort, productivity and health.

Health problems can include repetitive strain injuries (RSI) or poor posture injuries. Such health problems can increase the amount of sick days taken by a worker, which can indirectly affect an employer's costs through decreased productivity.

Many employees in today's workplaces work flexible hours with can result in more than one person working at a particular workstation. An example of a workplace with multi-user computer tables is at call centres.

Improvements in office ergonomics have been made over recent years in terms of improved design for ease of use of tables, chairs, computers, computer monitors, computer keyboard and associated computer pointing devices (such as a mouse) in the work place.

In terms of computer desks presently available two basic office table designs exist.

The static computer table design is basically a table of standard height and which is not adjustable. From this fixed position, the operator is forced to work with little or no flexibility and which does not accommodate a person's individual posture needs.

The adjustable computer table design requires manual adjustment by a user. However, this can lead to inconsistent and variable height fluctuation, as time constraints on the user can often prevent correct table adjustment, and further still a user may not over time exactly remember what height is ideal. Thus these fluctuations from the ideal height over time can have a detrimental effect on the health of the individual user.

There is therefore a need for an adjustable computer table which is capable of automatically adjusting to the height specified for a user to ensure correct posture and/or to provide a comfortable sitting position each time the user uses the table.

It would also be useful if there would be provided an automatic adjustment of the height of a computer monitor or screen relative to the table surface to accommodate different user preference and/or requirements. As having the computer monitor or screen at or near the correct eye height can encourage the user to sit up straight preserving the normal lordotic curvature of the neck while reducing excessive neck and upper shoulder muscular strain and ligament sprains.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge In the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term ‘comprise’ shall have an inclusive meaning—i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term ‘comprised’ or ‘comprising’ is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer table capable of automatically adjusting its height and that of an associated computer monitor or portable computer support bracket via actuators operated by a programmable logic unit upon receiving information as to the user of the table or at least to provide the public with a useful alternative.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer table which includes:

-   -   at least one actuator(s) capable of altering the height of a         support surface relative to a rest surface;         characterised in that, the table is configured so as to enable         the first actuator(s) to alter the height of the support surface         relative to a rest surface, and further characterised in that,         in use, the first actuators are configured to be operated by a         programmable logic unit which is configured to:     -   (a) store a users preferred height for the support surface;     -   (b) receive information from a data input device as to the user         of the table and, compare to the previous height settings, and,     -   (c) if required, operate the actuator(s) to adjust the height of         the support surface relative to a rest surface, to the preferred         height of the user.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer table which includes:

-   -   at least one first actuator(s) capable of altering the height of         a support surface relative to a rest surface;     -   a second actuator capable of altering the height of a support         bracket relative to the support surface,         characterised in that the table is configured so as to enable:     -   the first actuator(s) to alter the height of the support surface         relative to a rest surface; and     -   the second actuator(s) to alter the height of the support         bracket relative to the support surface; and further         characterised in that the table is, in use, the first and second         actuators are configured to be operated by a programmable logic         unit which is configured to:     -   (a) store a user's preferred height for the support surface and         support bracket;     -   (b) receive information from a data input device as to the user         of the table and compare to the previous height settings of the         support surface and support bracket, and,     -   (c) if required, operate the actuator(s) to adjust the height         of:         -   the support surface relative to a rest surface; and         -   support bracket relative to the support surface;             to the preferred height(s) of the user;

It is envisaged the actuators may come in a variety of different forms.

Preferably the actuators may be thread-type linear actuators, pneumatic linear actuators, rotary actuators, or telescopic pillars or similar, provided they are configured to be capable of being electrically activated with an associated electric motor. However, this list should not be seen as limiting as other electrically activated actuators may also be employed in the present invention.

The table may be configured in a variety of different ways to enable the first actuators to alter the height of the table.

In preferred embodiments the first actuators may move a first pair of legs which are pivotally connected to a second pair of legs so as to raise or lower the height of the legs. Preferably the first pair of legs are pivotally connected to a second pair of legs in a “scissor arrangement”. Preferably the first pair of legs may each include a wheel, slide, or suchlike, thereon to facilitate movement of the leg relative to the rest surface to enable the height of the support surface to be altered. Preferably, the second pair of legs may be adapted to prevent the table moving in relation to the rest surface during movement of the first pair of legs. In one preferred embodiment a second pair of table legs may be attached to the rest surface.

In some other embodiments the first actuator may be configured with respect to the table so as to be capable of raising or lowering the support surface relative to the legs.

In preferred embodiments the second actuator maybe attached to the end of a movable arm to which the support bracket is attached.

In a preferred embodiment the first and second actuators may be activated by the programmable logic unit to raise or lower the height of the support surface and/or support bracket once a user enters identifier information into the data input device.

Identifier information may be in the form of a login name and password, fingerprint, retinal information, or similar.

In general the programmable logic unit includes a suitably programmed microprocessor.

In some embodiments the programmable logic unit may be in the form of a microchip swipe card reader, computer, or similar.

In preferred embodiments the programmable logic unit may generally be in the form of a computer.

For the purposes of the specification, the term “data input device” refers to a device that can be used to insert data into a computer or other computational device.

In a still more preferred embodiment the programmable logic unit may generally be in the form of a computer which is located along with associated data input device, such as a keyboard, swipe card reader, bar code reader, finger print scanner, retinal scanner, or similar, on the computer table.

In some other preferred embodiments the data input device may be in the form of a keyboard which is on the computer table and which is networked or otherwise remotely connected to a server or other computer.

In some other preferred embodiments the data input device may be in the form of a swipe card reader located remote from the computer table on a door.

For ease of reference only the programmable logic unit will now be referred to as a computer.

For the purposes of the specification the term “support surface” or grammatical variations thereof may refer to a floor surface, or similar.

In general the rest surface may be the floor or such like, on which a table rests.

For the purposes of the specification the term “support bracket” or grammatical variations thereof may refer to a platform bracket or such like capable of supporting a computer monitor, television monitor, or similar.

The support bracket may be positioned above the support surface of the table by one or more arms.

In general the support bracket may be connected to the second actuator so that the second actuator can alter the position of the support bracket to adjust the height of the support bracket relative to the support surface.

In another preferred embodiment the support bracket may be movably connected to at least one arm so that the second actuator can alter the position of the support bracket along the arm to adjust the height of the support bracket relative to the support surface.

In preferred embodiments the support bracket may include at least one wheel or such like which is retained within a suitably configured track which extends along the arm to allow for movement of the support bracket there along.

In use the actuator either pushes or pulls the support bracket along the track to alter the height of support bracket relative to the support surface.

A user's preferred height for the support surface and monitor support bracket may be determined by measurement of the height parameters which result in a user's body undergoing little or no stress when sitting in a non-height adjustable chair behind the computer table of the present invention.

In general the measurements taken for the height parameters of the support surface and support bracket may be determined for each user as follows:

The ideal preferred height of the support surface relative to the rest surface may be determined from analysis of a stress free sitting position achieved when the back of a user has a zero degree forward flex and the users chin is parallel to the rest surface. Typically, the height of the support bracket should be around or just below the elbow height of the user in this stress free position in the chair to be used with the table.

The ideal preferred height of the support bracket relative to the support surface may then be determined by ascertaining the distance between the support bracket and support surface when the support bracket is positioned approximately 2.5 cm above the eye level of the user when sitting in the stress free position.

A stress free position of zero degree forward flex may be generally achieved when the user is seated and an imaginary plumb line from the centre of the ear falls through the centre of the shoulder and hip.

Digital pictures of the seated user in such a zero stress position on the chair to be used with the table of the present invention may be taken and downloaded into a computer for analysis by a suitable software program. The height measurements for a user can then be ascertained by the software may include:

-   -   The height of the support surface relative to the rest surface,         and,     -   The height of the bottom of the support bracket relative to the         support surface.

Alternatively, the preferred height measurements may be manually obtained, recorded and entered into the computer controlling the actuators.

These measurements can then be used to adjust the first and second actuators to the correct computer table height and support bracket height when a computer table user enters identifier information.

In preferred embodiments the computer table may have a connection device, such as a socket or such like for connection for the actuator(s) to a computer.

In more preferred embodiments the connection device may be a universal serial bus (USB).

In preferred embodiments the support surface may include a keyboard surface which is positioned below the top of the support surface so that the top of the keyboard and mouse are approximately level with the support surface.

Such a design is to enable the keyboard to sit flush with the support surface to prevent the possibility of having the wrist in a hyperflexed or hyperextended position which could over time create an injury.

In preferred embodiments the computer table is supplied with accessories such as a computer monitor, computer or similar.

In another preferred embodiment the computer table is supplied in kitset form.

A computer table user logs into the computer which then receives information as to the user of the table and compares to the previous height settings of the support surface and support bracket, and if required, operate the actuator(s) to adjust the height of:

-   -   the support surface relative to a rest surface; and     -   support bracket relative to the support surface.

Thus, preferred embodiments of the present invention may have a number of advantages over the prior art which can include: automatic alteration of the height of a computer table support surface relative to a rest surface; and/or the height of a support bracket relative to the computer table support surface; so as to accord to a users preferred height settings when the user enters identifier information into an associated programmable logic unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1: shows a cross section schematic view of one embodiment of a computer table of the present invention; and

FIG. 2: shows a plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3: shows a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and

FIG. 4: shows an elevation view of the computer monitor or portable computer support bracket and arm of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The invention is now described in relation to one preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. It should be appreciated that the invention may be varied from the Figures without departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, there is shown a computer table is shown generally indicated by arrow 1. The computer table 1 has first actuators in the form of a pair of electrical thread-type linear actuator units 2.

The first actuators 2 are each attached to the top end of a first pair of table legs 3 via a pin 4 so as to be capable of altering the height of a support surface 5 relative to a rest surface 6. The first pair of table legs 3 is pivotally attached via a pin 7 to a second pair of table legs 8. The first pair of table legs 3 contacts the rest surface 6 by means of a movable wheel 9. The second pair of table legs 8 is pivotally attached via a pin 10 to the top of a frame member 11. The second pair of table legs 7 is fixed to the rest surface 5 with a foot having an indented grip surface 12.

The computer table has a second actuator in the form of a linear electrical thread-type 13. The second actuator 13 is attached to the bottom end of an arm 14 so as to be capable of altering the height of a computer monitor or portable computer attached thereto a support bracket 15. The support bracket 15 is pivotally attached to the arm 14 via a pin 16. The support bracket 15 and arm 14 are moved by the actuator unit 13 on an upright rail 18. The upright rail 18 and second actuator 13 are housed in a body 19.

The table support surface 3 has a keyboard holder 20 into which the computer table user's keyboard and pointing device may be housed.

The first and second actuators 2 and 13 may be activated by a computer (not shown), in the form of a computer to raise or lower the height of the support surface and/or support bracket once a table user enters identifier information such as their login name and/or password into the computer. The computer may generally be housed in a body 21 attached to the computer table 1 (FIG. 3). The computer table has a universal serial bus (USB) socket and serial port socket (not shown) for connection to a computer.

A computer on receiving user identifier information entered by a computer table user activates the electrical linear actuator units 2 and 13, which, if required, alter the height of the support surfaces 6 and the computer support bracket 15 simultaneously via movement of the first pair of table legs 3 and computer support arm 14 respectively.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A computer table having a support surface, the computer table comprising: at least one actuator capable of altering the height of the support surface relative to a rest surface on which the table rests; wherein the table is configured so as to enable said at least one actuator to alter the height of the support surface relative to the rest surface, and wherein said at least one actuator is configured to be operated by a programmable logic unit which is configured to: (a) store a user's preferred height for the support surface; (b) receive information from a data input device as to the user of the table and compare to the previous support surface height settings; and, (c) operate said at least one actuator to adjust the height of the support surface relative to a rest surface, to the preferred height of the user.
 2. A computer table having a support surface, the computer table comprising: at least one first actuator capable of altering the height of the support surface relative to a rest surface on which the table rests; a second actuator capable of altering the height of a support bracket relative to the support surface, wherein the table is configured to enable: the at least one first actuator to alter the height of the support surface relative to a rest surface; and the second actuator to alter the height of the support bracket relative to the support surface; and wherein the at least one first actuator and the second actuator are configured to be operated by a programmable logic unit which is configured to: (a) store a user's preferred height for the support surface and support bracket; (b) receive information from a data input device as to the user of the table and compare to the previous height settings of the support surface and support bracket, and, (c) operate the actuators to adjust the height of: the support surface relative to a rest surface; and support bracket relative to the support surface; to the preferred height of the user.
 3. A computer table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuators are thread-type linear actuators, pneumatic linear actuators, rotary actuators, or telescopic pillars that are capable of being electrically activated with an associated electric motor.
 4. A computer table as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at last one first actuator moves a first pair of legs which are pivotally connected to a second pair of legs so as to raise or lower the height of the legs.
 5. A computer table as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at last one first actuator moves a first pair of legs which are pivotally connected to a second pair of legs in a scissor arrangement so as to raise or lower the height of the legs.
 6. A computer table as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first pair of legs each include a wheel, or slide thereon to facilitate movement of the leg relative to the rest surface to enable the height of the support surface to be altered.
 7. A computer table as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second pair of legs is adapted to prevent the table from moving in relation to the rest surface during movement of the first pair of legs.
 8. A computer table as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second pair of table legs is attached to the rest surface.
 9. A computer table as claimed in claim 2 wherein the first actuator is configured with respect to the table so as to be capable of raising or lowering the support surface relative to the legs.
 10. A computer table as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second actuator is attached to the end of a movable arm to which the support bracket is attached.
 11. A computer table as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one first actuator and the second actuator are activated by the programmable logic unit to raise or lower the height of the support surface and/or support bracket once a user enters identifier information into the data input device.
 12. A computer table as claimed in claim 11, wherein identifier information is in the form of a login name and password, fingerprint or retinal information.
 13. A computer table as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein the programmable logic unit is in the form of a computer, microchip swipe card reader.
 14. A computer table as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein the programmable logic unit is in the form of a computer.
 15. A computer table as claimed in claim 14 wherein the data input device is in the form of a keyboard, swipe card reader, bar code reader, finger print scanner or retinal scanner on the computer table.
 16. (canceled)
 17. A computer table as claimed in claims 15, wherein the data input device is in the form of a swipe card reader located remote from the computer table.
 18. A computer table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rest surface on which a table rests is the floor.
 19. A computer table as claimed in claim 2, wherein the support bracket is a platform bracket or such like capable of supporting a computer monitor or television monitor.
 20. A computer table as claimed in claim 2, wherein the support bracket is positioned above the support surface of the table by one or more arms.
 21. A computer table as claimed in claim 2, wherein the support bracket is movably connected to the second actuator which can alter the position of the support bracket to adjust the height of the support bracket relative to the support surface.
 22. A computer table as claimed in claim 21, wherein the support bracket is movably connected to the second actuator via an arm, so that the second actuator can alter the position of the support bracket and associated arm to adjust the height of the support bracket relative to the support surface.
 23. A computer table as claimed in claim 22, wherein the support bracket includes at least one wheel retained within a suitably configured track which extends along the arm to allow for movement of the support bracket there along.
 24. A computer table as claimed in claim 1 which further has a connection device for connection of the actuator to a computer.
 25. A computer table as claimed in claim 24, wherein the connection device is a universal serial bus (USB).
 26. A computer table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support surface includes a keyboard surface which is positioned below the top of the support surface so that the top of the keyboard and mouse are approximately level with the support surface.
 27. A computer table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computer table is supplied with accessories a computer monitor or a computer.
 28. A computer table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computer table is supplied in kitset form.
 29. (canceled)
 30. The computer table as claimed in claim 17, wherein the data input device is in the form of a swipe card reader located on a door.
 31. The computer table as claimed in claim 24, wherein the connection device is a socket. 